Delhi B&B Blaze: Father-Son Duo Turns Mattresses Into Lifesaving Escape Aid

A father-son duo in South Delhi has been hailed for their quick thinking and selfless actions during a devastating fire that engulfed a bed-and-breakfast establishment in the Hauz Rani area of Malviya Nagar, claiming 21 lives. Riyazuddin Mansuri and his son Armaan reportedly sacrificed nearly Rs 2 lakh worth of mattresses and bedding materials to help trapped occupants escape from the burning building.

The fire broke out at Flourish Stays in the early hours of June 3, resulting in the deaths of 21 people, including nine Indian nationals and 12 foreign citizens. As flames spread through the structure, several guests found themselves trapped on the upper floors with limited escape options. Witnesses reported that occupants were calling for help and asking whether they should jump from the building to avoid the fire.

According to Armaan, he rushed to the scene after being alerted by a neighbour and found the ground floor engulfed in flames. Realising that conventional rescue efforts were difficult, he and his family quickly brought out around 20 to 25 new mattresses, quilts and other bedding materials from their shop located opposite the building. The mattresses were stacked and spread on the ground to create a makeshift cushion, enabling several people to jump from upper floors in an attempt to escape the blaze.

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Riyazuddin, whose family has operated the mattress business in the area for nearly four decades, said the family also provided bedsheets, quilt covers and other materials that were later used to assist rescue personnel in transporting victims and the injured. Despite suffering an estimated financial loss of around Rs 2 lakh, he said the decision was driven by humanitarian concerns rather than monetary considerations. He emphasised that helping people in distress was a duty that transcended religious and social differences.

The family's actions have drawn widespread praise on social media, with many users calling for official recognition and compensation for their losses. Several people urged authorities to reward the duo for their bravery and generosity, while others highlighted broader concerns about fire safety compliance in commercial establishments. The incident has not only spotlighted the tragic consequences of the fire but also the extraordinary acts of courage and compassion displayed by ordinary citizens during a crisis.

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